Edee Madsen felt she acquired a second family when she played badminton for Wisconsin-La Crosse more than four decades ago.

Athletes such as Brooke Buranosky and Ellie Wilson, who played for Madsen at Deerfield this season, said they got the same feeling.

Madsen officially retired as Deerfield's head coach on Friday after 21 years coaching badminton, 16 years teaching physical education there and more than 40 years as a coach and educator overall.

Madsen said opportunities in girls' sports were just beginning when she was a freshman at Willowbrook in 1969. She said her first badminton season comprised just a few matches.

Madsen said she had a special experience playing badminton in college. She gave much of the credit to Martie Stephens, her coach at Wisconsin-La Crosse.

"I was blessed to be on a team that was like a family," Madsen said. "I really enjoyed being part of it."

One of Madsen's college teammates was Denise Izatt. An Elmhurst resident, Izatt coached badminton at Zion-Benton in the late '70s and early '80s before leaving the academic world for business. She said Stephens created a family atmosphere in part because of the personal traits she required of her athletes.

"She demanded character and respect," Izatt said. "People learned to compete for the love of the game, but we always had respect for our teammates and our competitors."

Madsen said the three things she always required from her players at Deerfield were "respect, sportsmanship and service to others," taking a page from Stephens' playbook.

Buranosky and Wilson, who were Deerfield seniors and state-qualifiers this spring, said they benefited from Madsen's coaching style, which originated with Stephens.

"It's a family for sure. You can go up to anyone on the team and start a conversation," Wilson said. "(Madsen) is probably one of the best role models for my life. She helped me set goals with high expectations and stick to them."

Buranosky said playing for Madsen more closely resembled a family than a traditional team. She said part of the reason for the family setting was Madsen's high expectations for personal conduct, which also made the coach a mentor.

"She said it was important to show good sportsmanship and show respect to your teammates and your opponents," Buranosky said. "She taught us how to be as people, not just as players. This is what I will remember in the years to come."

Wilson and Buranosky both qualified for the doubles state tournament as juniors with different partners. Once those partners graduated, they teamed up as seniors and went 4-2 at the state tournament.

"She asked us what we needed to work on today," said Wilson, who also played basketball and volleyball. "I've never had a coach who asked me that. She was more personal and helped us grow at a faster pace."

Now retired, Madsen said she will be moving to a home she built for herself in Wisconsin on a lake "away from the fast-paced life" of the Chicago area.